Unexpectedly here and need advice

Long time poster here in hiding. DH and I got an unexpected surprise over the weekend and now we need some advice. It's always been just us, both very healthy, and have never needed health insurance. Neither of our jobs offer health insurance and we make too much to qualify for any state health. Are there any health insurance programs that cover just pregnancy and the delivery after which we would get child health plus for DC once they are born? We are also looking a private insurance and it's doable but pricey and we would rather find a cheaper alternative. Are there any private insurance companies under $1000 a month? We feel like we're stuck in the middle. No flames please, we were on bc not trying to get pregnant, but we welcome the surprise.

Re: Unexpectedly here and need advice

My sister had no insurance with last pregnancy. I'm not sure the name of the exact program but it's part of the child health plus I believe. It's covers a pregnant women through out all of her pregnancy. I will warn you my sister had to go to a clinic type place for all appointments. She loved the doctors. They are regular OB who work there on top of there own practices.
If you need more info I can ask my sister for you since I don't know that much about it.
You might consider getting private health insurance though. You could get health issues after baby and need to see an OB. You just never know.
I had a few issues after my DS was born.

Re: Unexpectedly here and need advice

First congrats!
I wish I had advice for NY but I know a friend in PA who is paying $800/mo for her family's private ins. It's she, her DH, and her LO. iMO, that's affordable when compared to one hospital visit which could cost them tens of thousands.
Also, I believe Suffolk has a prenatal program that's available if you don't have Insurance.....for some reason I assume (or rather hope) there's no income limit...something about the baby being covered but maybe the parents arent?

Re: Unexpectedly here and need advice

You can see if you qualify for PCAP. The salary requirements are a lot higher so you can make more and still qualify. If you do qualify for PCAP then you will be covered for only pregnancy related stuff like lab work, dr visits, etc until 6 weeks post partum and the baby will be covered under medicaid until he/she is a year old. You don't have to go to a clinic. Most doctors don't take medicaid but some do, it just takes work to look for them. Also, with the baby, even though he/she will have medicaid, you can pick a medicaid plan and most drs who don't take straight medicaid take the plans. They offer Empire, United Healthcare, Blue Cross, etc. You just pick the plan after the baby is born.
After that year is up, then you are thrown off the medicaid if you make too much but can qualify for Child Health Plus where you also pick a plan and can go to most drs.

Any questions at all, please feel free to FM me.

Re: Unexpectedly here and need advice

From what I understand if you are uninsured you may be eligible for Medicaid Prenatal Care coverage through the state even if your income is higher -- just they have different levels of coverage. If you gave them a call they should be able to give you some information over the phone.

Also contact your OBGYN ASAP make sure you get in there for your first exam and to confirm the pregnancy. Ask them if they would work out a payment plan with you. Mine told me once that the total cost for prenatal care and delivery was $3500 and that they do set up payment plans so that may be an option!

Re: Unexpectedly here and need advice

I would try calling the numbers on this site

health plus

I'm not sure if there is a minimum salary requirement or if you're entitled to the insurance because you are pregnant. Good luck!

Re: Unexpectedly here and need advice

My mom works at a public health clinic run by Suffolk County and everyone that goes there does not have health insurance (many are not legal citizens), and they get wonderful care (my mom works in pediatrics). I would look into this option...I don't know what the qualifications are to receive care but I don't think they turn anyone away.

FM me if you'd like more details...I can ask my mom.

Good luck and congrats!

Re: Unexpectedly here and need advice

Congratulations!!!! I have no advice on where to find this type of insurance but did want to say you should have some sort of health coverage even if it only covers accident type situations. You never know when you are going to get into a car accident, fall and break your ankle or need to be covered medically.

Re: Unexpectedly here and need advice

Thank you for all the suggestions. I used this tool and it says that our income is too high to qualify for any public health options. AccessNY I will have to look into private insurance or payment plans it seems.

Re: Unexpectedly here and need advice

Also call your OBGYN -- explain the situation and ask if they offer some type of payment plan if you are in need of prenatal care and are uninsured!

Re: Unexpectedly here and need advice

Congrats! Double check when you get info on insurances if they will accept you if you are pregnant. I think some carriers may consider it a preexisting condition and may not take you on because of the cost that they will need to lay out for your care. Best of luck!